Douglas J. Lanzo

Doug Lanzo is an award-winning American author (of The Year of the Bear and I Have Lived) and poet published in 87 literary journals and best-selling anthologies spanning 10 countries on 5 continents. His second book, I Have Lived, was named Best Novella of 2024 at the 21st Annual American Bookfest Awards while his first book, The Year of the Bear, garnered Best YA Book of 2023 at the Award Awards. Both books have won numerous other literary awards, with The Year of the Bear being named a Finalist for the Hawthorne Prize and a Firebird Award winner and I Have Lived winning double Firebird gold medals in the Novella and Romance Suspense categories. Praised for its inspiration and beauty, his 50-poem collection, titled Moral Courage to Shine with Christ's Love, won 3rd place in Voice & Virtue's 2025 poetry manuscript contest and was offered a book contract.

The Year of the Bear is a heartwarming, multi-layered Maine adventure treasured by readers and reviewers of all ages. This Newbery-nominated novel ushers us into a spectacular world of adventure, where a seemingly ordinary boy must take extraordinary measures in order to surmount formidable obstacles and battle unforeseen dangers in his struggle to become a man.

Endorsed by New York Times Bestselling Author Josh Lieb and acclaimed poet Scott Mason, The Year of the Bear has been warmly received by readers and reviewers of all ages and backgrounds. Its endorsers have referred to The Year of the Bear as "enthralling," "stunning," "deeply moving," “exciting and exhilarating,” “a masterful story,” “inspiring," "cinematic," "a rare treat," “a surprising page-turner," "compelling and uplifting," "wonderful," and "a truly a powerful coming of age story." Author Daphne Self has stated: "Lanzo could be considered a modern Jack London."

Hailed as a "a compelling and inspirational story of true heroes" and "an exceptional story" that is "breathtaking" and "merits...multiple readings," Doug’s second book, I Have Lived, is a riveting romance suspense novella starring a heroic Army Ranger Combat medic and his inspirational bride "that carries the reader through one man’s journey of discovery, through courage, honor, sacrifice, hope, friendship, and romance, to God's unfailing love." From the brotherhood of combat to the wilds of Africa, the novel transports us to riveting moments that defined their character and test their mettle to the utmost on their wedding day.

I Have Lived released internationally on April 30, 2024. As with The Year of the Bear, I Have Lived has garnered glowing reviews across all online retail and review sites.

Doug’s poetry has exploded since the Pandemic, with over 560 of his poems having been published since 2019 in 78 literary journals and 9 anthologies across the U.S., Canada, England, Wales, Austria, Mauritius, India, Japan, Australia and the Caribbean. These include three Vita Brevis Press bestselling poetry anthologies. Doug resides in Chevy Chase, Maryland with his wife and 16-year-old identical twin sons, who themselves are accomplished, internationally published haiku poets. He and his sons enjoy nature, basketball, snorkeling and fishing. Their poetry is available alongside Doug’s on his Author website (type douglaslanzo in your browser).